After reaching out to the Play team, their feedback was that though application itself is harmless, and not actually in violation of their Terms of Service, since it 'encourages users to void their warranty', it would not be allowed to remain in the store.

While Google does have somewhat of a point - somewhat, somewhere, hidden deep inside - this is just entirely needless. I'm probably overly paranoid, but what are the chances that Samsung Google's OEM partners applied some pressure? CM is insanely popular, and once you have a taste of proper, crapware, TouchWiz-less Android, you don't want to go back.

I agree. This isn't a problem. People who load custom ROMs on their phones are not complete noobs. I think such folks can figure out how to enable ADB debugging themselves. If not, CM can simply put the APK file on their website for download. It takes only a second to email such a file to oneself where it can be opened directly on the phone. Viola. Meanwhile, I think Google has a valid point is removing an application from its store that actively encourages users to void their phone's warranty. Viruses are not the only threat to software - users can be their own worst enemy in that regard.